في 15 ثانية
- A polite way to say 'You've got a point.'
- Uses a double negative to soften agreement.
- Shows you are thoughtful and listening carefully.
- Perfect for meetings, debates, or casual advice.
المعنى
This is a polite way to say 'you have a point' or 'that makes sense.' It is a double negative that softens your agreement, making it sound thoughtful rather than impulsive.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6A friend suggests taking the subway instead of a taxi to avoid traffic.
你说得也不是没有道理，现在是下班高峰期。
What you said isn't without reason; it is rush hour right now.
A colleague suggests a new strategy during a brainstorming session.
这个方案虽然大胆，但也不是没有道理。
Although this plan is bold, it's not without merit.
Discussing why a movie was actually good despite bad reviews.
导演这么拍，其实也不是没有道理。
The director filming it this way actually makes some sense.
خلفية ثقافية
In professional environments, this phrase is a 'safety valve.' It allows subordinates to agree with a boss's logic while subtly signaling they have their own thoughts. Similar usage, but often followed by a very polite '{不过|bùguò}' (however) to soften the transition even further. Scholars use this to acknowledge a peer's theory before presenting a different interpretation, maintaining a 'gentlemanly' level of discourse. Used as a 'hook' to show the commenter is objective. It builds credibility before the commenter provides a long, detailed analysis.
The 'But' Pivot
Always follow this phrase with a '但是' (but) if you want to sound like a master negotiator. It shows you've listened before you counter.
Don't Overuse
If you say this to every single thing someone says, you will sound indecisive or like you're hiding your true opinion.
في 15 ثانية
- A polite way to say 'You've got a point.'
- Uses a double negative to soften agreement.
- Shows you are thoughtful and listening carefully.
- Perfect for meetings, debates, or casual advice.
What It Means
Think of this as the ultimate 'middle ground' phrase. In English, we often say 'That makes sense' or 'I see your point.' In Chinese, 也不是没有道理 uses a double negative. This literally means 'It's not that there is no reason.' It sounds a bit roundabout, right? That is exactly the point. It suggests you have weighed the options. You are acknowledging the logic in what someone just said. It is warmer than a simple 'yes.' It feels more intellectual and considered.
How To Use It
You usually place this at the start of your response. Someone gives an opinion or a suggestion. You pause, nod slightly, and say 也不是没有道理. You can use it alone as a complete sentence. Or, you can follow it with 但是 (but) if you agree but have a small concern. It is like a verbal cushion. It softens the blow of whatever comes next. Use it when you want to show you are listening.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend suggests a new restaurant that is far away. Use it when a coworker suggests a different way to format a report. It is perfect for those 'Aha!' moments. It works great when someone changes your mind. It shows you are open-minded. You can even use it when texting. It makes you sound like a reasonable and mature person. It is a great way to avoid being too blunt.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for facts. If someone says 'The sun rises in the east,' don't say this. It makes you sound like you are doubting basic reality. Avoid it during high-stakes emotional arguments. Saying 'You have a point' when someone is crying might feel too cold. Also, don't use it with your boss if they give a direct order. In that case, just say 好的. You don't want to sound like you are 'evaluating' their authority. That might lead to a very awkward Monday morning.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often values harmony and 'saving face.' Being too direct can sometimes feel aggressive. This phrase is a classic example of 'indirect' communication. By using a double negative, you avoid a strong 'Yes' or 'No.' It creates a space for negotiation. It reflects a philosophical approach to truth. Many things aren't just right or wrong. They simply 'have reason.' It shows you respect the other person's perspective. It is the linguistic version of a polite nod.
Common Variations
You might hear people shorten it to 有道理 (makes sense). This is more direct and casual. Or they might say 不无道理 (not without reason). That version is very formal and 'bookish.' If you want to be extra supportive, say 你说的也不是没有道理. This adds 'What you said' to the front. It makes the compliment more personal. Stick to the standard version for the best balance of cool and polite.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase is highly versatile and sits comfortably in the 'neutral' register. It is perfect for avoiding direct confrontation while still engaging in a discussion.
The 'But' Pivot
Always follow this phrase with a '但是' (but) if you want to sound like a master negotiator. It shows you've listened before you counter.
Don't Overuse
If you say this to every single thing someone says, you will sound indecisive or like you're hiding your true opinion.
أمثلة
6你说得也不是没有道理，现在是下班高峰期。
What you said isn't without reason; it is rush hour right now.
Validating a practical suggestion.
这个方案虽然大胆，但也不是没有道理。
Although this plan is bold, it's not without merit.
Professional acknowledgement of a creative idea.
导演这么拍，其实也不是没有道理。
The director filming it this way actually makes some sense.
Expressing a nuanced opinion on art.
行吧，听您的，也不是没有道理。
Alright, I'll listen to you; you have a point.
Giving in to advice politely.
哎，你这话也不是没有道理，我确实太宅了。
Ugh, you've got a point there; I really am too much of a homebody.
Self-deprecating humor acknowledging a truth.
对方辩友的观点，也不是没有道理。
The point made by my opponent is not without reason.
Respectful acknowledgement of an opposing view.
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the missing characters to complete the phrase.
{他|tā}{说|shuō}{的|de}_____{没有|méiyǒu}{道理|dàolǐ}。
The standard structure is {也不是|yě bùshì} + {没有|méiyǒu} + {道理|dàolǐ}.
Which situation is most appropriate for using '{也不是没有道理|yě bùshì méiyǒu dàolǐ}'?
Situation A: Someone says 1+1=2. Situation B: Someone explains why they think it will rain based on the clouds. Situation C: You are in a burning building and need to leave.
Situation B involves logic and opinion, which is the perfect context for this phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: '{我觉得|wǒ juéde}{我们|wǒmen}{应该|yīnggāi}{换|huàn}{个|gè}{地方|dìfāng}{住|zhù}，{这里|zhèlǐ}{太|tài}{吵|chǎo}{了|le}。' B: '_____, {但是|dànshì}{房租|fángzū}{很|hěn}{便宜|piányi}。'
The speaker B is acknowledging the logic (noise) but adding a counterpoint (rent), making this the most nuanced choice.
🎉 النتيجة: /3
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
3 تمارين{他|tā}{说|shuō}{的|de}_____{没有|méiyǒu}{道理|dàolǐ}。
The standard structure is {也不是|yě bùshì} + {没有|méiyǒu} + {道理|dàolǐ}.
Situation A: Someone says 1+1=2. Situation B: Someone explains why they think it will rain based on the clouds. Situation C: You are in a burning building and need to leave.
Situation B involves logic and opinion, which is the perfect context for this phrase.
A: '{我觉得|wǒ juéde}{我们|wǒmen}{应该|yīnggāi}{换|huàn}{个|gè}{地方|dìfāng}{住|zhù}，{这里|zhèlǐ}{太|tài}{吵|chǎo}{了|le}。' B: '_____, {但是|dànshì}{房租|fángzū}{很|hěn}{便宜|piányi}。'
The speaker B is acknowledging the logic (noise) but adding a counterpoint (rent), making this the most nuanced choice.
🎉 النتيجة: /3
الأسئلة الشائعة
2 أسئلةNot at all! It just makes you sound like you are taking their opinion seriously. It's very common in friendly debates.
Yes, shortening '没有' to '没' is very common in spoken Mandarin and sounds slightly more casual.
عبارات ذات صلة
{不无道理|bù wú dàolǐ}
synonymNot without reason (formal).
{言之有理|yán zhī yǒu lǐ}
similarWhat you say is logical.
{深有同感|shēn yǒu tóng gǎn}
contrastI feel the exact same way.
{胡说八道|hú shuō bā dào}
contrastNonsense.
